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11. Circumcision - Milah

We are commanded to circumcise male children on the eighth day after they are born [as it says "And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised"].1 Circumcision was the basis of G-d's covenant with Abraham, as it says "And I will make my covenant between Me and you... [you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin and it shall be a sign of a covenant between Me and you; every male of all your generations shall be circumcised at the age of eight days...]".2 The responsibility rests on the father; if he does not do it the courts are responsible; and when the child grows up the responsibility devolves on him.a If the child is not well his circumcision is postponed until he recovers.b Circumcision consists of cutting away the foreskin and peeling off the membrane under it.c

Sources:

1. Lev. 12:3 a. 1:1-2, 3:8
2. Gen. 17:2,11-12 b. 1:16
c. 2:2


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